Lectures

In this course you will learn about:

• Tests that are required for fiber characterization
• Transmission limits as a function of bit rate and applications
• The effects of Chromatic Mode Dispersion and Polarization Mode Dispersion on high speed signals such as 10G, 40G, and 100G
• OTDR theory and Bi-directional splice characterization
• ORL and the consequences of high ORL

Introduction to Fiber Characterization

• What is Fiber Characterization?
• Why is it needed?
•  Legacy networks and today’s networks

Fiber Optic Basic Review

• Transmission basics
• Light propagation
• Causes of optical loss
• Types of Fiber

Inspection and Cleaning of Fiber

• Inspection Tools
• Proper cleaning practices
• Inspection assessment

End-to-End Loss

• Connector loss
• Splice loss
• Power budget calculations
• Test methodologies
• OTLS functionality

Optical Return Loss

• Consequences of high ORL
• ORL limits
• ORL test tools
• ORL testing

OTDR

• How an OTDR works
• Reflectance
• Dead zones
• Setting up the OTDR
• Manual measurements

Chromatic Dispersion

• Causes of Chromatic Dispersion
• Limits of Chromatic Dispersion
• Chromatic Dispersion testing
• Compensation

Polarization Mode Dispersion

• Causes of PMD
• Mode coupling
• PMD limits
• PMD testing
• Isolating high PMD areas

Bi-Directional Trace Analysis

• Post analysis software
• Creating templates
• Applying templates
• Generating splice reports

Reports

• Transferring data
• Compiling data
• Generating a report

Labs

There are no labs associated with this course.

Prerequisites: Level 3

Master in Testing (TR-MFT) is the prerequisite to become a fiber characterization technician.  

Target Audience

This course is intended for those looking for an overview of fiber characterization basics. It will familiarize the student with terminology and the factors and events commonly seen in a trace.